Does Trample Still Work on Deathtouch?
In Magic: The Gathering, Deathtouch and Trample are two powerful abilities that can have a significant impact on gameplay. But have you ever wondered how these two abilities interact with each other? In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between Deathtouch and Trample, and provide a comprehensive answer to the question: Does trample still work on Deathtouch?
Accepted Answer: Yes
According to official Magic: The Gathering rulings and FAQs, the answer to this question is yes. When a creature with Deathtouch and Trample attacks and becomes blocked, the creature will first assign lethal damage to the blocking creature(s). If the blocking creature(s) have sufficient toughness to withstand the lethal damage, the trampling creature will then assign excess damage to the player or planeswalker it is attacking.
How Trample and Deathtouch Interact
To understand how Trample and Deathtouch interact, let’s break down the step-by-step process of what happens when a creature with both abilities attacks and becomes blocked:
- The creature with Deathtouch and Trample assigns lethal damage: The attacking creature with Deathtouch and Trample first assigns lethal damage to the blocking creature(s). If the blocking creature(s) have sufficient toughness to withstand the lethal damage, they will survive and remain in play.
- The blocking creature(s) survive: If the blocking creature(s) survive the lethal damage, they remain in play and are considered to have "blocked" the attacking creature.
- The trampling creature assigns excess damage: The trampling creature then assigns excess damage to the player or planeswalker it is attacking. This damage is not reduced by the blocking creature(s) because they have already been destroyed by the Deathtouch ability.
- The player or planeswalker takes the damage: The player or planeswalker being attacked takes the excess damage assigned by the trampling creature.
Important Points to Consider
- Deathtouch destroys the blocking creature(s): If the blocking creature(s) do not have sufficient toughness to withstand the lethal damage, they will be destroyed by the Deathtouch ability.
- Trample only assigns excess damage: Trample only assigns excess damage to the player or planeswalker it is attacking, not to the blocking creature(s).
- Blocking creature(s) survive if they have sufficient toughness: If the blocking creature(s) have sufficient toughness to withstand the lethal damage, they will survive and remain in play.
Examples and Rulings
Here are some examples and rulings that demonstrate how Trample and Deathtouch interact:
| Scenario | Outcome |
|---|---|
| 1. Deathtouch destroys the blocking creature: A 3/3 creature with Deathtouch and Trample attacks a 2/2 creature. The 2/2 creature blocks, but the Deathtouch ability destroys it. The trampling creature assigns 1 damage to the player. | |
| 2. Trample assigns excess damage: A 5/5 creature with Deathtouch and Trample attacks a 3/3 creature. The 3/3 creature blocks, and the Deathtouch ability assigns 2 lethal damage. The trampling creature assigns 2 excess damage to the player. | |
| 3. Blocking creature survives: A 4/4 creature with Deathtouch and Trample attacks a 3/3 creature. The 3/3 creature blocks, but the Deathtouch ability only assigns 1 lethal damage. The blocking creature survives, and the trampling creature assigns 1 excess damage to the player. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, when a creature with Deathtouch and Trample attacks and becomes blocked, the creature will first assign lethal damage to the blocking creature(s) and then assign excess damage to the player or planeswalker it is attacking. While the blocking creature(s) may survive if they have sufficient toughness, the Deathtouch ability will destroy them if they do not. Understanding how Trample and Deathtouch interact can help you make more informed decisions during gameplay and gain a strategic advantage.